OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has partnered with Oklahoma Citizen Corps, Red Dirt Ready and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security to encourage and equip people to plan for emergency preparedness.

During September, families are encouraged to "Get a Kit, Have a Plan, Be Informed." Faith congregations are encouraged to identify both at-risk individuals and local resources and to use their facilities for disaster response trainings or shelters through the Red Cross. Communities should create partnerships for a comprehensive response and coordinated evacuation as necessary.

Sept. 19-26 has been designated as Be Ready Week for churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious organizations to promote awareness and preparedness. Be Ready information cards have been developed by the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and are available for distribution by faith congregations as bulletin inserts or for community organizations.

To request literature, more information, or engage your faith/community organization in a time of crisis, call (405) 522-0606.

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